TDS named to Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Diversity list

TDS recognized for diversity efforts two years in a row.

For the second year in a row, TDS is named to Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Diversity list. Based on the ratings from employees at U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions, and Suttle Straus, Telephone and Data Systems comes in at #301, out of 500 companies. This year’s list includes twice as many businesses—a signal that more companies are answering the call to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace.

“It’s an honor to be included in this list,” said Patrick Yates, manager of Diversity and Inclusion at TDS Telecom. “I’m proud of our employees and our leadership for coming together and placing ongoing emphasis and effort on creating a diverse and inclusive environment. However, we cannot become comfortable with the achievements and recognition we’ve received. We still have much work to do for TDS to truly look like the communities we serve.”

According to Forbes, the top 500 of America’s Best Employers for Diversity were chosen based on an independent survey from a representative sample of 50,000 employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people in their U.S. operations. The rankings were aggregated using four criteria: Direct recommendations, indirect recommendations, diversity among top executives/board members, and diversity KPIs.

TDS Telecom, a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., is one of the fastest growing technology companies in the United States and a growing force in the cable industry. The company sponsors local diversity summits, dedicates time educating employees about diversity, and supports a number of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These inclusionary groups provide opportunities for employees to convene around shared identities and passions. TDS’ current Employee Resource Groups focus on Women in Technology, Achieving a Better Life/Work Environment for Individuals with Disabilities, interns, Patriot which supports employees who currently or previously served in the U.S. military along with civilians and family members, 2BU which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, and Emerging Professionals.

Wisconsin organizations have also acknowledged the efforts of TDS’ ERGs and other initiatives. In addition to recognition on the Forbes America’s Best Employers for Diversity, TDS Telecom was a USO Wisconsin Veteran Friendly Workplace award finalist and received the Wisconsin Society of Human Resource Management Workplace Diversity, Inclusion and Workflex Advocate Award.

“While it’s great to receive recognition for our efforts, we must be diligent to keep creating community within our organization,” stated Yates. “This requires ongoing employee engagement and participation in the journey. It also requires us to continue seeking new ways to attract people to join our company.”

About Mike Wanta

Mike works on the Corporate Communications team at TDS and is the manager of the TDS Business Blog. He has a passion for all things business, storytelling, and teaching. Mike attended Edgewood College and earned degrees in English Literature and Journalism, while competing on the Men’s tennis team. He recently completed his Masters in Sustainability and Business. With his newfound free time, he plays music, tennis, and reads (a lot).

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About TDS Business

TDS Telecom. is the 7th largest telecom provider in the U.S., and our parent company is Telephone and Data Systems Inc. Of course, we have a few cool sister companies too, like U.S. Cellular and OneNeck® IT Solutions. Bottom-line: At TDS it’s our job to connect people at home and at work. We connect people nationwide, in rural communities and metro areas alike. We connect people running big businesses, start-ups, and even at- home teleworkers with Internet, phone, data, and TV services.